UNCP recognizes distinguished alumni, Hall of Fame inductees
Four distinguished UNC Pembroke alumni were honored at the 54th annual Alumni Awards & Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony on Friday, October 28. This year’s recipients are Vanessa Gonzalez (Distinguished Alumni Award), Paul Willoughby Jr. (Outstanding Alumnus), Dr. Ethan Sanford (Young Alumni Award) and Dr. Kennedi Stewart Henry (Young Alumni Award). The late Hampton Brayboy and his wife, Pattie, were posthumously recognized during a special presentation. The ceremony was held at the Upchurch Auditorium at James A. Thomas Hall.
Former elite student-athletes to headline Fall Speaker Series
A star-studded alumni panel of former standout student-athletes will kick off a new speaker series presented by Campus Engagement and Leadership at UNC Pembroke on October 20. Pardon Ndhlovu, one of the most decorated athletes in the history of UNCP cross country, will join former All-American volleyball player Melanie Grooms Garrett and Air Force Colonel and former baseball star Carlos Berdecia for the first of several engaging, thought-provoking discussions.
UNCP alumnus, FAEL participant appointed director of federal programs
Philip Oxendine, 2021 First Americans’ Educational Leadership (FAEL) cohort alumnus, was recently appointed as the director of federal programs with the Public Schools of Robeson County. In his role, Oxendine will be responsible for making recommendations for assisting schools within the district to develop federal programs and services for continuous improvement. Additionally, he will help to provide school leaders with developments in curriculum, research-based instructional strategies and professional development. Oxendine is a two-time graduate of UNCP.
Alumna Cheyenne Lee offers advice to UNCP undergraduate researchers
As a fourth-year doctoral candidate researching the genetic factors behind Clostridioides difficile infections at one of the nation’s top research universities, there’s not much free time carved out in Cheyenne Lee's schedule these days. When Lee managed to block off a day recently, she made the five-hour trek to her alma mater to advise current UNCP undergraduate students considering the graduate school path. It was important for Lee to give back to the institution that helped ease her transition to the Microbiology and Molecular Genetics program at Emory University.
UNCP welcomes new Board of Visitors members
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke recently announced five new members of the Board of Visitors. The appointees are Trey Allen, Faline Locklear Dial, Don Hall, Dr. Kennedi Henry, and Ramón Zepeda. The 26-member board, appointed by Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings, is comprised of alumni and non-alumni members from across the region and state, representing major stakeholders in education, legal, health services, industry and public sector.
UNCP alumna selected for summer internship in Sarajevo
UNC Pembroke alumna Mia Baxley is making the most of our international relations degree. Baxley is a true globetrotter. Since her sophomore year at UNCP, Baxley has lived and taught English in China for seven weeks and in Seoul, Korea, for one year. Her visit to China was her second trip––the first coming while she was in high school. She also participated in a study abroad program in Thailand while in college, not to be outdone.
UNCP's Hok Nosai rallies behind alumni's family
What began as a nagging cough four months ago turned into devastating news for UNC Pembroke alumni James and Jessica Worriax and their 16-year-old son, Jacob. Tests revealed a tumor in Jacob's chest. On New Year's Eve 2021, doctors diagnosed Jacob with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He spent nine days in the hospital, including several days in the intensive care unit. Jacob is undergoing chemotherapy, which resulted in significant weight loss. "Mentally, he is doing really well," James Worriax said. "He is handling it much better than I would have at his age."
Brother, sister making an impact on residence life at UNCP
Maddie and Mason Schwenneker are getting the rare opportunity of experiencing college life at UNC Pembroke together. The Holly Springs siblings have immersed themselves in campus life, and they both go above and beyond as resident advisors (RA) to ensure housing residents, likewise, embrace the campus living experience. This week, their efforts were recognized when the pair was presented with the RA of the Year and New RA of the Year awards at the Housing & Residence Life’s end-of-the-year banquet.
UNCP celebrates opening of James A. Thomas Hall
Under a beautiful blue sky, nearly 400 guests, including dozens of local and state officials, celebrated the opening of the James A. Thomas Hall––a state-of-the-art facility where UNC Pembroke is preparing future business leaders of our region. The new building––home to the Thomas School of Business––will drive the university’s efforts to continue building an educated workforce in southeastern North Carolina.
Alumnus Nick Courmon returns to emcee UNCP Talent Show
Twelve contestants, including two groups, will be vying for the top prize in Tuesday's 29th annual UNCP Talent Show. The event will be held at 7 p.m. at Givens Performing Arts Center.